The Prodigy @ Utilita Arena, 23rd November 2023
In the heart of Birmingham, the Utilita Arena buzzed with palpable excitement as The Prodigy made a thunderous return to the city. The Prodigy isn’t just a band; they’re a timeless force that unites generations, bringing together metalheads and ravers alike for over 30 years.
The night kicked off with the dynamic duo Soft Play, who erupted onto the stage with an energy that was both relentless and contagious. Formed by drummer and vocalist Issac Holman and guitarist Laurie Vincent, the punk rock duo, formerly known as Slaves, didn’t just perform; they immersed themselves in the chaos, diving into the crowd and igniting a spontaneous mosh pit around them.
Being around for over 10 years, Soft Play has built a solid fan base all around so the audience was more than familiar with them. Their relentless pursuit of raw punk energy set the tone for the night as they played fan favourites like “Sockets”, “Fuck the Hi-Hat” and “The Hunter”. The crowd absorbed this nuclear reactor of anger, setting the stage for what was to come.
As the stage transformed for The Prodigy, Radio One’s Jack Saunders took charge, showcasing his DJ prowess. His mix of trance, drum & bass, and rock kept the crowd in high spirits, seamlessly paving the way for the main act.
The lights dimmed once again and the stage transformed into a dystopian dreamscape, revealing The Prodigy’s iconic ant logo that loomed large over the audience. The lighting design was a spectacle of its own, perfectly synchronized with the beats, intensifying the experience. The stage, a futuristic canvas of lights and projections, hinted at the chaos that was about to unfold.
The diverse audience was a testament to The Prodigy’s cross-generational appeal. From die-hard fans who had been there since the ’90s to newer converts, the crowd was a melting pot of energy. Bodies moved in sync with the beats, creating a collective rhythm that swept through the arena. The mosh pits were a chaotic dance of limbs, mirroring the frenetic energy emanating from the stage.
The Prodigy delivered a relentless barrage of beats and bass that had the entire arena pulsating. Liam Howlett’s mastery of electronic soundscapes was on full display, and Maxim’s commanding vocals added a raw intensity to the performance as they delved into their extensive discography, seamlessly blending classics with newer tracks. The setlist was a carefully curated journey, ebbing and flowing with a precision that kept the audience on the edge of ecstasy.
Maxim’s charismatic engagement with the audience transformed the arena into a colossal dance floor, where every beat was met with frenzied enthusiasm. From the pulsating beats of “Breathe” to the anthemic “Firestarter” and the explosive encore featuring “Invaders Must Die” and “We Live Forever,” The Prodigy left no stone unturned.
The Prodigy’s departure from the stage was met with thunderous applause, but the night was far from over. Returning for the encore, the band unleashed a final wave of chaos, leaving the audience in a state of euphoria. The encore encapsulated the essence of The Prodigy’s live experience—a relentless, high-octane journey that lingered in the minds of all fortunate enough to witness it.
As the lights came up and the echoes of “Out of Space” reverberated through the arena, we knew that the night had transcended the boundaries of a mere concert. The evening was a celebration of their enduring legacy, which left an indelible mark on the audience.
Setlist:
Breathe
Omen
Light Up the Sky
Voodoo People
Climbatize
Everybody in the Place (with intro to Warrior’s Dance)
Firestarter (Instrumental, sped up remix – no vocals)
Roadblox
Their Law
No Good (Start the Dance)
Get Your Fight On
Poison
Need Some1
Smack My Bitch Up
Encore:
Take Me to the Hospital
Invaders Must Die
Diesel Power
We Live Forever
Out of Space (Only up to the first chorus as band was leaving the stage)
Review and photographs: Andra Tudoran
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